What are the best transport options for travelling from Barcelona to Girona. We explore the fastest, cheapest and most convenient ways of making this trip.
Girona is a charming medieval city in Catalonia, Spain, that is well worth a visit from Barcelona. So, how to get from Barcelona to Girona. In this article, I will show you the different transport options based on my own experiences. I will show the fastest time and current costs, and the benefits of each transport option. I will also give you a brief overview of the best sights and attractions to see in Girona.
Transport options from Barcelona to Girona
There are four main ways to get from Barcelona to Girona: by bus, by train, by rideshare, or by car. Here is a comparison of each option:
| Option | Time | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 1h 15m | €6 – €15 | Cheap, comfortable, direct |
| Train | From 38m | €10 – €18 | Fast, reliable, scenic |
| Car share | 1h 30m | €4 – €6 | Cheapest, flexible, social |
| Car | 1h 8m | €15 – €20 | Quickest, convenient, private |
Travelling from Barcelona to Girona by Bus
Taking the bus from Barcelona to Girona is a cheap and comfortable option. There are several bus companies that operate this route, such as Alsa, FlixBus, Sagales, and Blablabus. You can catch the bus from various locations in Barcelona, such as the airport, the Sants station, or the Nord station. The bus will take you to the Girona bus station, which is close to the city center. The bus journey takes about 1h 15m and costs between €6 and €15. This will depend on the company and the time of the day. You can book your bus ticket online or at the station. The benefits of taking the bus are that it is direct, so you don’t have to change vehicles. Another advantage is that it is comfortable, as the buses are usually equipped with air conditioning, wifi, and power outlets.
Getting from Barcelona to Girona by Train
Taking the train from Barcelona to Girona is a fast and reliable option. There are two types of trains that run this route: the high-speed AVE train and the regional train. The AVE train is the fastest, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Journey time is only 38 minutes to get to Girona. The regional train is slower, taking about 1h 26m. However, it is cheaper and stops at more stations along the way. You can catch the train from various stations in Barcelona, such as Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, or França. The train will take you to the Girona train station, which is also close to the city center. The train journey costs between €10 and €18, depending on the type of train and the time of the day. You can book your train ticket online at Omio or at the station. The benefits of taking the train are that it is fast, so you can save time, and you can enjoy the views of the countryside and the coast.
Car share from Barcelona to Girona
Taking a car share from Barcelona to Girona is the cheapest option. A car share is when you share a car with other travelers who are going to the same destination. You can find a car share online, using platforms such as BlaBlaCar, where drivers offer their spare seats for a small fee. You can choose the departure and arrival points, the time, and the price that suit you best. The car share journey takes about 1h 30m and costs between €4 and €6, depending on the driver and the demand. You can book your car share online or by phone. The benefits of taking a car share are that it is cheap, and that it is flexible, meaning you can choose when and where to travel. It is also a social option, so you can meet new people and have a chat along the way.
Travelling by Car from Barcelona to Girona
Driving from Barcelona to Girona is the quickest and most convenient option. You can rent a car in Barcelona, either at the airport or at the city center. You can drive to Girona by taking the AP-7 motorway. The car journey takes about 1h 8m and costs between €15 and €20. The AP-7 is now toll free, so this will save money compared to before. Just add the the fuel and the parking as travel expenses. You can park your car in Girona, either at the public parking lots or at the street meters. The benefits of driving are that it is quick, so you can get to Girona in the shortest time possible. You can travel at your own pace and stop whenever you want. It is also a private option, so you can enjoy your privacy and comfort.
Best sights and attractions in Girona
Once you get to Girona, you will be amazed by the beauty and the history of this city. Girona has a rich and diverse heritage, dating back to the Roman times and influenced by the Jewish, Moorish, and Christian cultures. It also has a modern and vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and festivals. Here are some of the best sights and attractions to see in Girona:
- Girona Cathedral: The most iconic landmark of the city, dominating the skyline with its baroque facade and its gothic nave, the widest in the world. Admire the architecture, the art, and the tapestries inside, and climb the stairs to enjoy the views from the outside. The cathedral of Girona was also used in filming the Game of Thrones series.
- El Call: This is the old Jewish quarter of the city, one of the best preserved in Spain. Take a wander through the narrow and winding streets, visit the Museum of Jewish History, and see the ancient synagogue and the mikveh (ritual bath).
- Wall Walk: Enjoy a walk along the medieval walls that surround the old city, offering panoramic views of the rooftops, the river, and the mountains. You will be able to access the walls from various points, such as the Torre Gironella, the Plaça de la Catedral, or the Jardins de la Francesa.
- Banys Àrabs: These are the historical baths from the Middle Ages, inspired by the Roman and Moorish styles. You visit the different rooms, such as the cold, warm, and hot baths, and the domed ceilings with star-shaped openings.
- Església de Sant Fèlix: This is the basilica of Saint Felix, the patron saint of the city, located next to the cathedral. Stop and admire the romanesque bell tower, the gothic facade, and the baroque altar, and visit the crypt where the relics of the saint are kept.
- Jardins de la Devesa: The largest urban park in Catalonia, and one of the most emblematic spots in Girona. Take a break and relax under the shade of the plane trees, walk along the paths and the bridges, and enjoy the flowers and the fountains.
- Museu d’Art: This is the art museum of the city, housed in the former episcopal palace. You can see a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Romanesque to the contemporary periods, and admire the gothic cloister and the renaissance courtyard.
- Pont de les Peixateries Velles: The bridge of the old fishmongers, also known as the Eiffel Bridge, because it was designed by the same engineer who built the Eiffel Tower. Cross the bridge over the Onyar river, and see the colorful houses that line the banks.
- Casa Masó: This is the birthplace and the museum of Rafael Masó, one of the most important architects of the Catalan modernism. The museum has the original furniture, the paintings, and the ceramics that decorate the house, and learn about the life and the work of Masó.
- Gnomo Park: A small family theme park, set in the popular world of gnomes. Take the kids and have fun with the attractions, such as the mini golf, the zip line, the trampolines, and the playgrounds, and enjoy the nature and the animals.
Conclusion
There are many options available to get from Barcelona to Girona. If you want my advice on how to get from Barcelona to Girona the AVE train is the fastest. However, the bus is the cheapest, and using your car is great for stopping and exploring the Costa Brava along the way. If you choose and car sharing, it gives you a chance to meet the locals. My personal choice would be taking the AVE train from Barcelona to Girona. It is fast and enjoyable and leaves you with enough time to explore the city.
